Most people wouldn’t think of a BB gun or a pellet gun as a survival item, but lately, a number or people have emailed us asking about adding one to their supplies. While it wouldn’t be my first option, there are some reasons you may want to consider adding one to your survival stockpile.
Technology has made them stronger and more reliable
In terms of technology, design and manufacturing, BB guns have come a long way over the last decade. Today’s BB guns are not the BB guns of your youth, and many of them are actually very reliable and very powerful. Pellet guns take things up a notch, and are great for plinkers or hunting small game.
- They are both quite capable of taking small game like birds, rodents, squirrels and small rabbits.
- If you want to increase your odds, look for a pellet gun with a high velocity of at least 700 FPS in a .22 cal, or 950 FPS in a .177 cal.
- A good scope can increase accuracy, and help you spot smaller game.
They are dirt cheap
With the recent rise in ammo prices and a sudden shortage of rimfire ammunition, a lot of people are looking for cheaper alternatives. For training purposes, a BB gun might not be a bad alternative for speed or defensive drills. It’s probably not going to make you a better shooter, but it can be used to simulate some self-defense situations, and sure is a lot cheaper than almost anything else you can shoot.
- A 500 ct. box of pellets is going to cost you around 10 bucks, and BBs are going to be even cheaper at $10 for around 6,000.
- A decent BB or Pellet gun, suitable for hunting small game, can be found for under $200
A couple more reasons to consider adding a BB or Pellet gun to your survival stockpiles
- They are legal to carry in most areas of the country.
- They are quite and do not attract as much attention, making it easier to take out multiple small animals when hunting.
- Believe it or not, during the Vietnam war soldiers were trained with Daisy model 99 BB guns to practice instinctive shooting techniques. They can be a great way to practice target focused shooting and quick kill techniques.
- They are just plain fun, and can be a great way to introduce children to firearms.
What kind of Pellet or BB Gun is best for survival?
If you’re buying one for survival purposes, I would stay away from anything that needs CO2 or compressed air to fire. During a survival situation, these cartridges are going to be hard to come by, making your rifle completely useless once you run out of compressed air. Instead, look for a spring piston or lever action rifle; these allow you to build up air pressure by simply cocking a lever.
- Single pump air rifles only require one pump to obtain maximum power. They are quick, easy to use and the best option when trying to quietly take a number of small animals.
- Multi-Pump air rifles are another good option that allows you to control the amount of power you’re shooting with. They are typically less expensive but they are not as stealthy when trying to hunt.
Of course, if you’re looking to take things to the next level, I highly recommend checking out a Ruger 10/22. It’s one of our favorite .22LR Rifles on the market.
Some BB Guns and Ammo that we like:
I started out with a Crosman 760 when I was 8. I was taught to wait for the right headshot, then drop it. I was also taught to pass if I didn’t have a clean shot. The skills required to hunt with that gun (stealth,scent, camo, learning your quarry) have made me a much better hunter over the years. I have a 30-06 set up for 800m. I have bows, crossbows, shotguns, and also have a sling shot I use in the back yard for squirrels in the garden. I can take my game with any of them. But for most small game we use .177 or.22 springers.
This past dove season me and 3 of my sons set up on a field. Some friends set up with their 12ga autos not far from us. We each shot our limit. The guys with the shotguns only had 5 birds between the 3 of them.
The skills I learned hunting as a kid in the Alabama woods has served me well over the years, both in the military and as a hunter. I had to learn when and where to find the game, then had to get close enough for the shot (determined not only by the weapon of choice but knowledge of the weapon). Skill proficiency is the key. I have killed coyotes with a .22 springer and watched a friend drop a small buck with one (properly placed) head shot. If I’m hunting big game out past 300m, then I will use my bug guns. 60-100 I will use my archery and stealth. Small game will be the air rifles unless I’m in town. Then I will just pop them with the wrist rocket.
My point is this. No matter what you chose, it’s worthless unless you know what to do with it.